The Stocktons Wing Collection

Stockton's Wing

TARA4

The Stockton's Wing Collection, released
in 1991, is a 20 track compilation of the first three Stockton's
Wing albums, Stockton's Wing, Take A Chance, and Light In
The Western Sky. This album charts the early years from the
band's inception in 1977 to their first major success with
tracks like 'Walk Away', 'Skidoo' and of course 'Beautiful
Affair'.

The album features 5 tracks from the first album 'Stockton's
Wing' and 4 tracks from their second release 'Take A Chance'
as well as 9 tracks from the 'Light In The Western Sky' album
(currently unavailable). In addition to this are the single
Skidoo and the B-side of the 'Beautiful Affair' single 'Ceile
Swing'.

Some tracks of note on this album include,

One of the first Stockton's Wing compositions
The Belltable Waltz, which was named after The
Belltable Arts Center in Limerick which was a regular
venue for the group during that period,

A haunting composition 'The Golden
Stud' which is a combination of Aboriginal
and Irish music, the aboriginal element was introduced
by the arrival of Australian bass and Didgeridoo player
Steve Cooney.

'Skidoo' which was composed
by Steve Cooney for the music for a television programme
on an Irish expedition to the Artic circle.

'Take
A Chance' was the first original song recorded by
the group and it features the then little known Maura O'Connell
on backing vocals.

'The Green Gates /
The Boy in the Gap' this track which features
a great tin Whistle solo by Paul Roche was a big hit with
the live audiences throughout the Stockton's Wing career.

'The Maid Behind The
Bar' again another favourite with live
audiences this track displays their ability and love of
Irish traditional music which was the founding stone of
the band.

And of course 'Beautiful Affair'
the song that made the group a household name not only
in Ireland but also in the UK and paved the way for the
success that was to follow.

During
the period that these three albums were recorded the Group progressed
from playing in small pubs and town halls around the West of
Ireland to performing major tours and festivals throughout Europe
and the US and in the process becoming one of Ireland's most
popular acts of the time. For a more detailed history of the
period see the group's biography.